Wyoming seemed posed to repeal many of the gun free zones that have accumulated in the state over years of special pleadings, especially by the powerful education lobby. HB0114 passed the house with an overwhelming 42 to 17 vote. With a lopsided 26 Republicans to 4 Democrats in the Senate, the bill seemed assured of quick passage. John Lott gave testimony in the Senate; his testimony was considered to be extremely effective. However, the Machiavellian politics of legislatures quickly became apparent. Instead of the bill being assigned to the Judiciary committee, as was done in the House, it was...

A bill repealing most of the gun free zones in the state for concealed carry permit holders passed the house on a 42-17 vote. The main sponsor of the bill, Allen Jaggi, R-Lyman, said that it is a public safety issue. Most of the Republican supports reemphasized that point. From reuters.com: Backers of the Wyoming bill argued it would increase the safety of children enrolled in Wyoming’s 48 school districts by allowing school employees, from teachers to janitors, to be armed in class and on campus grounds. Supporters pointed to the 2012 massacre in Newtown, Connecticut, where a...

Gay couples in Wyoming will soon be allowed to marry after a federal judge on Friday struck down a state ban on same-sex nuptials and defendants in the case, including Gov. Matt Mead, announced they will not appeal. "I’ve never been prouder to be a Wyomingite," said Jeran Artery, who led the fight to legalize gay marriage through his work with Wyoming Unites for Marriage and Wyoming Equality. Gay couples are expected to start marrying in the next week. Some visited county clerk's offices Friday to begin the paperwork for marriage licenses. Other couples are relishing the thought that their...

A group of armed militia and protesters, some sporting nametags reading "domestic terrorist," remain camped out on a cattle ranch in Nevada, where they have been purportedly defending the property since a tense showdown ended with the federal government last week. A 20-year struggle between rancher Cliven Bundy and the Bureau of Land Management over decades of alleged illegal cattle grazing on public land ended last Sunday, with the government backing down from a controversial week-long cattle round-up. The BLM defused the standoff, citing safety concerns for its employees and the protesters, some of whom were on horseback and others...

Gabriel Drennen has Conviction Overturned, Charges Dismissed in Self-defense ShootingGuns Save Lives USA --(Ammoland.com)- On December 20, 2013, Gabriel Drennen’s lengthy legal odyssey, following the self-defense killing of Leroy R. Hoster, came to an end when Fremont County, Wyo., District Court Judge Norman E. Young signed an order dismissing the remaining charges against him.The move followed an October 1st decision from the Wyoming Supreme Court that overturned Drennen’s initial conviction for first degree murder. Drennen’s case, supported by NRA, is important precedent in ensuring Wyomingites are able confidently to exercise their right to self-defense. Drennen’s initial conviction for murder evolved...

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) -- One of the country's largest producers of ammunition magazines for guns is leaving Colorado and moving operations to Wyoming and Texas because of new state laws that include restrictions on how many cartridges a magazine can hold.

With another presidential cycle starting in just two years, battle lines are being drawn - not between the two parties, but within the Republican Party itself. Interestingly the differences being aired this summer seem less about ideology than approach: Whether compromise with Democrats is ever okay; even more broadly whether government can or even should try to solve problems through policy or lawmaking. So while most Americans reflexively say they want "something done" there's plenty of difference in defining what that means, and these debates have huge potential to shape the GOP's brand in 2014 and certainly in 2016....

Wyoming --(Ammoland.com)- The war on freedom is hitting much closer to home, Platte County Wyoming to be exact. Like you, I am outraged at the actions of President Obama, Harry Reid and Dianne Feinstein’s attempt to repeal the Second Amendment. And just as in Washington D.C. — the control freaks are at work right here in Wyoming. Remember during the last session when WY state “educators” stormed the capitol in Cheyenne — demanding that our pro-gun legislation was killed in committee?Well now they are scheming at the “local” level to rob you and me of our God-given rights.The Platte County...

<p>A well-known female liberal blogger and radio host at the University of Wyoming (UW) is being accused by police of fabricating a rape threat against herself to appear as if it came from a conservative.</p>
<p>The obscene message directed at activist Meg Lanker-Simons was posted on a college “crush” Facebook page earlier this week and immediately ignited outrage from the college community.</p>

In some areas of the United States, legislators are hard at work devising new laws to restrict the rights of law-abiding citizens to own and use firearms. But, in other areas, the opposite is happening. Take for example Wyoming where lawmakers have made it legal to hunt with suppressors. Here is a short announcement from the American Silencer Association. WYOMING: HUNTING WITH SUPPRESSORS BILL SIGNED INTO LAW New Law Goes Into Effect July 1, 2013 The American Silencer Association is pleased to announce that on February 18, Governor Matt Mead signed SF0132 into law, granting hunters in the state of...

Charlotte, NC --(Ammoland.com)- The Wyoming Senate Travel, Recreation, Wildlife and Cultural Resources Committee voted 4 to 1 in favor of a pro-hunting reform authored by Senator Ogden Driskill (R-1). Senate File 132 would repeal the state prohibition on hunting with sound suppressors (which are additionally regulated under federal law) while providing additional penalties for those who use them illegally. This bill is now eligible for a vote in the full Senate. A date for this Senate floor vote has not been scheduled at this time but please call and e-mail your state Senator urging him or her to vote in...

Several Wyoming lawmakers are proposing legislation designed to protect gun-owners from any potential federal firearm ban. The “Firearms Protection Act” bill, introduced this week, would make any federal law banning semi-automatic firearms or limiting the size of gun magazines unenforceable within the state’s boundaries. Anyone trying to enforce a federal gun ban could face felony charges under the proposal. It also includes a provision allowing the Wyoming Attorney General’s office to defend any state resident against any federal firearm ban.

CHEYENNE -- Proposals to loosen gun regulations are likely to emerge when the Legislature convenes in early January. The Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting is spurring national leaders to call for tighter federal gun-control laws. But several Wyoming legislators say they are planning to sponsor legislation that would do the opposite. Incoming Speaker of the House Tom Lubnau, R-Gillette, said he is drafting legislation that would end gun-free zones. He said he still is working on the details and the bill has not yet been filed. But he said it could include allowing teachers and other staff to have guns...

A gunman retreated from a Casper nail salon last week after realizing one of its customers was packing heat. Police say about 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 3, a man walked into Modern Nails at 2645 E. Second St. and asked a female employee if she wanted to buy some diamonds. The man walked toward the front desk area and the woman replied that she had no money to buy diamonds. A witness said the man then reached into his coat pocket and began to take out a silver-colored pistol. At that moment, a woman who was getting her nails done...

Casper police say three are dead stemming from an attack at Casper College this morning. Casper Police Chief Chris Walsh said there were two dead at the school's Wold Physical Science Center and one dead at another location in Casper, although he wouldn't identify the dead or the other location. No suspects are at large and nobody else was injured, Walsh said. Asked about speculation that a bow and arrow were used in the attack, Walsh wouldn't identify what weapon or weapons were involved, although he said no firearms were used. Walsh said he'll hold another press briefing at the...

FAIRBANKS - Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney maintained a strong lead with most of the results counted in the Alaska Republican presidential preference poll held today. With 4,225 votes, the former Massachusetts Governor took 32.6 percent of the statewide vote. Former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum took 29 percent, Texas congressman Ron Paul took about 24 percent and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich took 14 percent. At 10:30 p.m., 95 percent of the vote had been counted. Alaska was one of 10 states to participate in the Republican nomination process today and will divvy up 24 of its delegates according to...

Wyoming --(Ammoland.com)- Tell them to vote no on HB-70 Court Security – a bill disguised as a court security measure – when in fact it specifies a change to current law making “Any COUNTY BUILDING containing a district or circuit court” a gun free zone. Make no mistake this is an under the radar push to create additional gun control in Wyoming. Imagine walking in to the county center to pay for a vehicle license or a permit fee while forgetting to leave your firearm in the car, only to be reduced to “criminal status” with jail time and fines...

CHEYENNE — The Wyoming House of Representatives narrowly voted down legislation Wednesday that would have prevented local government officials in the state from passing any gun control laws, under penalty of heavy fines or even removal from office. House Bill 60, sponsored by state Rep. Kendell Kroeker, R-Evansville, got 38 votes, two short of the two-thirds majority needed for the legislation to be introduced. The bill would have added teeth to a Wyoming law already on the books that gives the state primacy over gun laws and prohibits cities, counties and other local bodies from passing their own laws regulating...

Moot, but noteworthy: Tuesday, Natrona County commissioners met in an unusual morning work session because Chairman Ed Opella and Rob Hendry wanted to hit the road to Cheyenne to meet with the Wyoming County Commissioners Association and legislators. Matt Keating had to leave early, so he missed the discussion about what commissioners wanted to convey to the WCCA. -------------------cut------------------------ In December, the Casper City Council passed a controversial ordinance that banned openly carried weapons at city government meetings. Hendry and Terry Wingerter said the city's controversy hasn't affected the county, yet. Wednesday, Matt called me so say he disagreed with...

Wyoming --(Ammoland.com)- As early as today HB-60 will be introduced in the house by Representative Kendell Kroeker (R-Casper) — It will require a 2/3rds vote to advance to committee. Please email your House Representative ASAP and ask them to support this legislation that will put a end to local governments placing restrictions on your right to carry. Wyoming has enjoyed a preemption since 1995, but unfortunately the “local” municipal politicians seem to believe that they hold more than the keys to the city. Simply put, many city politicians believe they are above the law and ignore the state the preemption....

Everyone will have to hang their guns at the door before entering the Casper City Council chambers under a new ordinance passed last week. In a five-to-four vote, the council approved a controversial measure that prohibits bringing a firearm or other deadly weapon into any public city government meeting. The law drew the ire of a number of gun rights and constitutional groups, and is expected to be challenged in the state legislature and also the courts. “We’ll bring a suit forth,” said Anthony Bouchard, executive director of Wyoming Gun Owners, following the meeting. “But we’re going to look at...

An armed officer dressed in a suit and tie stood behind Casper City Council on Tuesday as members patiently listened to seven arguments for or against banning openly carried weapons in city meetings. In the end, votes remained the same as those cast at the previous council meeting. Weapons are no longer allowed in city government meetings. “I expect this issue is not going to go away,” Mayor Paul Bertoglio said. He and council members Keith Goodenough, Bill Brauer and Maury Daubin opposed the ordinance that would restrict weapons in city government meetings. Council members Kate Sarosy, Paul Meyer, Kenyne...

Casper city council has recently released a statement suggesting they had no intentions of advancing gun free zones. But they have something they don't want you to know! During a council business meeting it was revealed that they were working with other police chiefs across Wyoming. They even stated on the record that the University of Wyoming Police Chief has commented that the Wyoming Association of Municipalities is working to advance gun free zones. What exactly other than pushing more bans does the University of Wyoming's Top-Cop have to do with Casper--and why did his name come up at a...

During the most recent legislative session, state Senator Kit Jennings (R-28) of Casper sponsored permitless carry legislation to expand the Right-to-Carry across Wyoming, only to see his hometown now fight to restrict it. Last week, the Casper City Council voted 5 to 4 in favor of an ordinance to ban the open carrying of firearms during city council meetings. While nothing has ever occurred to necessitate this proposed ordinance, the city council is one step away from making this ban a reality and will decide its fate on third and final reading at their next meeting scheduled for Tuesday, December...

Proposed restrictions on the open carry of deadly weapons into city of Casper meetings passed on second reading by a 5 to 4 vote Tuesday evening. They were three boyscouts working toward a merit badge at the November 1st Casper City Council Meeting. The first reading of the Proposed restrictions on the open carry of deadly weapons into city meetings was on the agenda that night. Following that meeting, Casper City Councilman Paul Meyer, in explaining his reasons for supporting the changes on second reading Tuesday, said one of the boyscouts told him afterward he didn’t want to go any...

An ordinance banning people from openly carrying guns at Casper city meetings received initial approval Tuesday from the City Council. After more than two hours of debate, the council voted 6-3 in favor of the ordinance, which would make it illegal to bring a deadly weapon to any city meeting. Two more votes are required before the ordinance would become law. The council will discuss when to hold the next vote on Monday. Council members who supported the measure said they wanted people to attend city meetings without feeling threatened by others. “I don’t want to see intimidation in public...

The Casper City Council has pulled the trigger on a proposed ordinance prohibiting carrying firearms in local government meetings, setting up a showdown with gun rights advocates. “The proposal we have, is that weapons, open carry weapons, be banned from government meetings,” said Casper Police Chief Chris Walsh to the council at its work session last week, adding later, “This just mirrors what was already set in place in state statute for concealed weapons.” The issue arose after last year’s legislature removed the requirement for a permit to carry a concealed weapon, though still prohibiting concealed guns at governmental meetings...

Environmentalist arguments that wolves do not pose a potential threat to humans took another hit when bowhunter Rene Anderson took what she is convinced was a defensive action and fatally shot a wolf that had moved aggressively to within ten feet of her on a remote ridge near Headquarters, Idaho. Anderson, speaking to this column Friday morning, said the animal loped toward her while she was elk hunting back on Sept. 25. Her story is just now moving into high gear across the Internet, and she is being supported by friends and co-workers in Pierce, a community about 13 miles...

I want to thank the Casper Journal for publishing the article by Greg Fladager outlining the Casper City Council’s proposed ban of open carry in their public meetings. I have a few comments regarding the proposed ban. During the City Council’s working meeting Aug. 8, acting Casper Chief of Police Chris Walsh stated that there haven’t been any incidents caused by a citizen legally carrying a sidearm in any city meetings here, but that there might be someday. None of the city council members could remember a time that a concealed or open carry weapon created a problem. The discussion...

CHEYENNE — A traveler driving along Interstate 25 at Cheyenne will come within 1,000 feet of Jessup Elementary School. If that Wyoming driver is carrying a weapon in the vehicle without a concealed weapon permit, he or she is in violation of a little-known federal law. The Federal Gun Free School Zone Act of 1995 makes it a crime to possess a functional firearm on public property, such as sidewalks, roads, highways, parks or fairgrounds within 1,000 feet of the property line of any elementary, middle or high school. The penalty for violations is up to five years in federal...

CHEYENNE, Wyo. — A law that allows Wyomingites to carry concealed weapons without permits goes into effect today. The new law, strongly supported by gun rights advocates, received the overwhelming endorsement of the Legislature last winter. Wyoming joins Alaska, Arizona and Vermont in allowing citizens to carry concealed handguns without undergoing background checks or firearms training. During the second of two seminars on the new law sponsored by the Cheyenne Police Department on Wednesday, the instructor, officer Jay Remers, told the group that it still is beneficial to get a concealed-weapons permit. The firearms training is valuable for gun owners...

Wyoming will soon become the fourth state in the nation to allow residents to carry a concealed firearm without a license or permit. A law effective Friday, July 1, will authorize permitted Wyoming residents 21 years of age or older to carry a firearm without obtaining a permit or taking a handgun safety course. This “constitutional carry” bill was one of the most controversial ideas the Wyoming State Legislature discussed during its session earlier this year. Gov. Matt Mead signed the bill in March, deeming it “appropriate” for Wyoming, after many Senate floor debates regarding state gun control and the...

RIVERTON — Charges were filed Thursday in the St. Patrick’s Day shooting that took place in downtown Riverton — not against the shooter, but against the man who was shot in the groin. Zechariah Apodaca, 22, of Riverton was charged with domestic battery, property destruction and simple assault. The shooter was identified only as a 41-year-old man from Lander. Authorities refused to release his identity because he’s been named a victim in the case against Apodaca. In a media conference Wednesday afternoon at Riverton City Hall, Fremont County Attorney Brian Varn said the older man acted in self defense as...

Are you frustrated at the loss of freedom and responsibility in America, while the growth of government and taxes continues unabated? Do you want to live in strong communities where your rights are respected, and people exercise responsibility for themselves and in their dealings with each other? If you answered "yes" to those questions, then the Free State Project has a solution for you. What the Free State Project is... The Free State Project is an effort to recruit 20,000 liberty-loving people to move to New Hampshire. We are looking for neighborly, productive, tolerant folks from all walks of life,...

Wyoming became the fourth state to affirm the right of its citizens to carry a concealed firearm without a special government-issued license when the state's House of Representatives Wyoming approved a "Constitutional Carry" bill in a 48-8 vote several weeks ago, and Gov. Matt Mead signed it into law on March 3. Wyoming joins Alaska, Arizona, and Vermont as states that have adopted Constitutional Carry. It goes into effect on July 1. Similar proposals are being pondered in Colorado and Montana. In Colorado, House Bill 1205 would make it legal for people to carry a gun without a permit. The...

The Jennings-Jaggi Constitutional Carry Bill passed the House on Final reading this morning, 49-9! Give yourself a pat on the back. Without your dedication - and committed action - this freedom-expanding bill would not have passed. Your letters, post cards, e-mails, and phone calls were what made the difference. Gun owners in Wyoming - and across the country - owe thanks to the courageous efforts of Representative Alan Jaggi (R - Lyman) and Senator Kit Jennings (R - Casper), the sponsors of the Constitutional Carry Bill. As well as the hard work of issue champions like Representative Lorraine Quarberg (R...

We aren’t done, but I’ve got some good news for you. The first phase of passing the Jaggi-Jennings Constitutional Carry through the Wyoming State House was accomplished this afternoon. House members agreed to move this common-sense legislation forward by a vote of 48 to 8. Even though we’re definitely not done yet, and I know that I don’t have to tell you that anything can happen in politics, this is still great news. Because of your emails and phone calls, these House members have moved our bill past its first reading with an overwhelming majority. Our next steps are the...

Another Senate bill coming up for a hearing in the House this week would allow Wyoming citizens to carry concealed handguns without a permit. Buchanan said he expects the bill will pass, but said he expects a spirited debate. A similar handgun bill passed the House in the last legislative session but failed in the Senate.

House committee OKs concealed-weapons bill The House Travel, Recreation, Wildlife and Cultural Resources Committee discussion of Senate File 47, Concealed weapons, is about 52 minutes. The quality of the recording is not great, but voices are clear. By Bill McCarthy, Cowboy State Free Press CHEYENNE – A committee voted 8-1 today to send legislation allowing law-abiding Wyoming citizens to carry concealed firearms to the House floor. “This bill is about a law abiding citizen’s right to carry open or concealed in the state of Wyoming,” said Rep. Lorraine Quarberg, a bill sponsor. “It is very difficult to restore a right...

CHEYENNE -- Hospital officials locally and statewide are encouraging legislators to clarify the concealed weapons law as it relates to hospitals. The current law limits where you can carry a concealed weapon, but does not specifically address hospitals or healthcare buildings. Discussion around the clarification began after Senate File 47 was introduced into the Legislature. That bill would allow residents to carry a concealed weapon without a permit. The bill's introduction and debate create a prime opportunity to address the issue and add needed detail to the law, according to one Cheyenne Regional Medical Center official. "We are not taking...

Wyoming --(Ammoland.com)- Our next step toward Constitutional Carry in Wyoming is scheduled to take place next week, but don’t be fooled, the fight starts today. Yesterday the Jaggi-Jennings Constitutional Carry bill was assigned its committee and scheduled for next Wednesday (2/9). That means that right now is the time to let the committee members know that you support passing the Jaggi-Jennings Constitutional Carry bill out of committee without any amendments. You can rest assured that I will be providing you with ways to be involved and the latest news on this bill as it happens, but right now I need...

While not opposed to the idea of private citizens packing concealed firearms, some local law enforcement brass said they hope new legislation won't make it easier for the wrong people to tuck weapons away. "One point that we can't lose sight of in the debate (over concealed weapons) is the weight of responsibility attached to a person if they choose to carry that weapon," said Powell Police Chief Tim Feathers. * Senate File 47 would eliminate the requirement for a permit to carry a concealed firearm in Wyoming. Sponsored by Sen. Kent Jennings, R-Casper, SF 47 passed the Senate in...

Dear Friends of Liberty, I need your help! Constitutional Carry legislation ‘SF-47’ is to be heard in a Senate Committee on Tuesday January 18th. It is urgent that you contact the Senate Committee members immediately and let them know that you want to restore the Constitution in Wyoming by passing ‘SF-47’. Note: SF-47 does NOT remove the ability of a citizen to acquire a concealed carry permit. If passed, our Constitutional Carry legislation SF-47 would restore the right of every law-abiding Wyoming citizen to carry a gun to protect themselves and their families — WITHOUT going through a bunch of...

Columnist George Will aptly described the Obama administration as "implacably hostile toward free enterprise." One example of this its crusade to arbitrarily demonize American couples who make more than $250,000 as rich, greedy and unworthy. Couples who make less than $250,000 per year are encouraged to resent, and exact tax retaliation, on their countrymen who make more. The political calculation of this Obama-generated class warfare is transparent. However, entrepreneurs and small businesses create over two-thirds of net new jobs, and most job creators are organized as Limited Liability Companies, subchapter S corporations or other business entities whose tax liability is...

The Wyoming NFA Shooters Club is sponsoring an event this weekend, this is your chance to join in on rapid fire action as a spectator or you can participate in fully automatic gun fire. (Machinegun rentals available) Please check out the Wyoming NFA Shooters Club web-site for shooter registration and safety information. Click here If you have never been around operating machine guns then you are in for a some real fun, just remember to bring your own eye and ear protection. To see a video of a previous event Click here Event Schedule: Fri -June 4th, 8AM til 9PM...

Jackson, Wyo. » The successful prosecution of a Jackson Hole hunter who claimed self defense after killing a grizzly could set a precedent in Greater Yellowstone, where the grizzly population is expanding and loaded guns are now allowed in national parks, experts say. A jury recently found 41-year-old Stephen Westmoreland guilty of a misdemeanor charge of illegally taking a grizzly bear stemming from an incident in September when he shot a bear. He argued self defense in a trial that hinged on the behavior of the bear, among other things. Mark Bruscino, bear management program supervisor for the Wyoming Game...

To the editor: Because one person made a mistake with a handgun in the West Park Hospital emergency room the hospital has now put up signs banning firearms in the hospital. This is basically the same type of situation the Brady anti-gun people use to try to disarm the public. WPH has no armed security personnel so the honest armed public is to their benefit should some nut cause a problem with a handgun. We who carry concealed legally are honest, decent people just as the folks who carry in the open and believe in our Second Amendment rights. I...